PFC Chapter 284: Reorganization of the Southern Government
Chapter 284: Reorganization of the Southern Government
Things turned out just as Chen Xiuqing had expected. The Nanshan Army occupied three provinces controlled by the new army in the south and four provinces controlled by the southern warlords, so they did not continue the attack.
This made Chang Yunxian very uncomfortable. Before the war with Nanshan, he owned three provinces. Now, not only did he lose the province he got from Lin Zongde, but he also lost Jiangnan Province.
Xu Weigong was equally depressed. He had finally expanded his territory, but lost it before he could even enjoy it.
Not only did he lose territory, but his elite troops were also wiped out, leaving him at a loss as to how to deal with the situation.
Moreover, now that he and Chang Yunxian have fallen out, the situation will become even more dangerous in the future. He really doesn't know how to deal with it alone.
After thinking for a long time, Xu Weigong finally made a decision and set off for Jin'an.
Chang Yunxian was very surprised to hear that Xu Weigong wanted to see him. It was almost the Spring Festival and he didn't know why the other party wanted to see him.
Although the two had had a quarrel recently, Chang Yunxian still decided to meet the other party, after all, they have been friends for so many years.
"Commander Chang." Seeing Chang Yunxian, Xu Weigong couldn't help but sigh and greeted him.
Chang Yunxian said in a bad tone: "Commander Xu, I wonder why you came to Jin'an?"
It's no wonder that Chang Yun was so sarcastic. It was true that the two previous defeats did not require such huge losses. However, because of Xu Weigong, they suffered a complete defeat.
The first time was in Changhuan. He did not support Chen Xiuqing. Even if he did, he would still be defeated. But Chang Yunxian would not think so.
The second time was the last battle, when the two armies were stationed in two counties separately, successfully providing the Nanshan army with opportunities to defeat them one by one.
Of course, even if they were stationed together, they would inevitably be defeated by the Nanshan Army.
"Commander Chang, I have thought a lot about this defeat..." Xu Weigong said tiredly.
Before Xu Weigong could finish his words, Chang Yun interrupted him: "Why, do you still think it's all my fault that you lost the battle?"
"Of course not, Commander Chang, please let me finish what I want to say." Xu Weigong shook his head.
"Okay, go ahead. I want to see what else you want to say."
Xu Weigong let out a long sigh and continued, "I found that I am really not good at leading troops. I am also responsible for the two defeats."
"That's good to know." Chang Yunxian snorted.
"Moreover, when the three of us were here, we were able to stabilize the situation in the south. But now that only the two of us are left, problems will arise everywhere."
Hearing this, Chang Yun first looked at Xu Weigong, not knowing what he was up to. However, he did not speak, but chose to listen quietly, curious about what Xu Weigong wanted to do.
Xu Weigong did not disappoint him and told him the purpose of his visit. He only said: "I have thought about it for a long time and I think it would be better for our two families to merge into one."
"Guangnan and Huinan provinces can be handed over to you. The troops under your command will be managed by Commander Chang. I will not interfere in the future."
"As for me, I still want to work in politics."
Hearing this, Chang Yun remained silent. If it were him, he would definitely not be willing to do so.
"Are you willing?"
"What's there to be reluctant about?" Xu Weigong said with a smile.
Chang Yunxian did not agree immediately, although he was also very envious of the two provinces. But there is no free lunch in the world, and he did not believe that Xu Wei would give up the two provinces for free.
So Chang Yun asked first: "Tell me, what are your conditions and requirements?"
Xu Weigong was stunned. He knew that Chang Yun had misunderstood him first. He really had no conditions or requirements. He shook his head.
"Commander Chang, please don't misunderstand me. I really don't have any conditions or requirements. I just hope that our southern government can continue to move forward and not perish silently under this torrent of trends."
Although he knew that the Nanshan Army was very strong, Xu Weigong still wanted to give it a try.
If he had surrendered directly to Francis Xavier and allowed the new country to quickly unify, Francis Xavier would have certainly given him a satisfactory position. However, Xu Weigong was unwilling to accept that the Southern government would fail so easily.
He also knew that it would be difficult for him to lead the Southern Government to compete with Fang Jian by himself, so he approached Chang Yunxian.
Hearing this, Chang Yun was stunned at first, and then remained silent. He could understand the other party.
The other party treats the Southern Government as their own child and hopes that it can be passed on. Chang Yunxian also has such an idea.
The two quickly reached a consensus and discussed how to complete the handover of the two provinces and local armed forces.
As the southern government was integrating, the northern government was in a gloomy mood.
They were defeated again, and this time all their elite troops were lost. It would be wishful thinking to expect to recover without several years.
Yuan Yueting called Peng Yuguo, the Deputy Minister of Finance, and asked, "Has the loan for the dwarf locust not arrived yet?"
"Mr. President, the dwarf locust is acting like this, it's obvious that he is not going to give us the loan." Peng Yuguo sighed.
Yuan Yueting was immediately furious: "What does the Little Locust Nation want to do? The contract has been signed, and everything promised to them has been given. Are they planning to turn their backs on their promises?"
In order to obtain this loan, not only Qiyuan was ceded, but also the customs duties were mortgaged.
From the beginning, the dwarf locust promised to give this loan, but the demands made later became more and more excessive. After half a year, he finally agreed to the other party's demands, but he was fooled by the other party when it came to lending the money.
How could Yuan Yueting not be angry? However, he was no longer the same as before.
The elite troops of the Northern Government had been wiped out. Even if he wanted to show his strength, it would not allow him to do so. Now, apart from some local militias and police, the Northern Government only had the newly recruited army.
Not only did the army fail to train, but even the weapons and equipment were not completed and put into service.
Ultimately it's a question of money. Without money you can't do anything. Military training is free, but you have to provide more food during training. What's the point of providing more food without money?
At present, the food supply in the army has been reduced to the lowest level, and the army has long been complaining. Why do people join the army? Isn't it just to have enough food? If the most basic requirement cannot be met, what's the point of joining the army?
In addition to the army, many local affairs require money, and people are asking for money everywhere, which gives Yuan Yueting a headache.
Peng Yuguo said: "Mr. President, the national portion of the customs tariff is not in the hands of the little locust. We can take it back."
The tariffs of New China were all controlled by the great powers. A large part of them were given to the great powers as indemnity, and only a small part was left for New China.
Because the Northern Government is the orthodox one, these tariffs were previously handed over to the Northern Government. The tariffs mortgaged to the Dwarf Locust Country are this part.
"Okay, I'll leave this matter to you." After thinking for a moment, Yuan Yueting nodded and agreed.
Doing so would mean completely breaking off relations with the Dwarf Locust Kingdom, and who knows what the consequences would be.
But the small dwarf locust country was indeed too bullying, and Yuan Yueting didn't want to tolerate it any longer.
In Qiyuan Province, at this time in the new headquarters, Ito Mifumi was losing his temper.
“These new people are so hateful.”
Qingshui Qianyun on the side advised: "Sir, the most important thing is to rescue the young master first."
The reason why Ito Mifumi was so angry was naturally because Ito Hideichi was captured by the Nanshan army. They sent people to negotiate for his redemption, and the conditions proposed by Nanshan made Ito Mifumi very angry.